(UK) Hampshire: Children wait 700 days for ASD assessments
- The end of childhood
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Oct 17, 2025, Farnham Herald: Hampshire children face 700-day wait for autism support
Children are waiting nearly two years for autism assessments.
Across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, more than 9,800 children and young people are currently on waiting lists for a referral, with an average wait time of 703 days.
Councillor Juliette Henderson, chair of the children and young people select committee, said: “The waiting time of 703 days is just shocking. Who pick the pieces were our children are waiting in often, a state of crisis.”
Steve Trembath, deputy director of mental health, learning disabilities, and autism at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, described the situation as “unacceptable” and said it is part of a wider national issue. . . .
“Our coaches are making sure that regardless of a formal diagnosis those children waiting access the care and support they need, that drives the work programme.”
The health board is now working to redesign the system to reduce reliance on a formal diagnosis before offering support.
The goal is that by March 2026, every child will be able to access appropriate care, whether or not they have a diagnosis.
Plans include an integrated neurodivergent multidisciplinary team, information and advice services, parental support, and a wide range of support options in schools.
However, concerns remain about whether the changes will deliver improvements.
Councillor Ann Briggs said: “I’ve been on this committee for 13 years and I’ve been reading many reports like this, it’s very disheartening. In one way I feel sorry for you because you can never have catch up, more and more children are coming in. . . .
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